Tubular Connector Cartridge Movement for Visual Assembly Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices in motor vehicles lack reliable indicators for ensuring correct assembly, particularly in noisy environments or when integrated into female elements, leading to potential leaks and increased operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a cylindrical hollow body and a cartridge that includes a flexible obstacle and unlocking system, allowing visual confirmation of correct assembly by the cartridge's movement from a protruding to a fully integrated position, ensuring the tubular element is securely seated past the hooking ring and annular seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an audible indicator is used to signal correct assembly, then the operator can detect proper insertion, but the signal may not be heard in noisy environments or when the operator is fatigued or inattentive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the audible indicator system with a visual indicator system. Instead of relying on sound waves that can be masked by noise, the invention uses optical signals (colored indicators visible through transparent or translucent portions of the housing) that can be detected visually regardless of acoustic environment, thereby substituting one sensory modality for another to overcome the limitations of audible signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators that change position or become visible when the tubular element is correctly assembled. The colored indicators are strategically placed to be visible through transparent or translucent portions of the housing, providing a clear visual signal of proper assembly that is independent of noise levels and operator auditory attention.
2Reliability
If a transparent housing is used to allow visual indication, then the operator can see the position of the tubular element, but the housing may not provide sufficient structural strength or sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the housing transparent or translucent, rather than the entire housing. This allows visual indicators to be seen at strategic locations while the rest of the housing maintains its structural integrity and sealing capabilities using opaque, stronger materials. The transparent portions are positioned precisely where visual confirmation is needed without compromising overall housing strength.
3Ease of operation
If the operator must rotate the tubular element to trigger an audible signal, then verification can be repeated, but rotation may not be possible when the device is integrated into a female element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotation-based verification mechanism with a visual indicator system that provides immediate feedback upon insertion without requiring any rotational movement. The visual indicators become visible or change position automatically when the tubular element reaches the correct position, eliminating the need for rotation and thus maintaining adaptability when the device is integrated into a female element where rotation may be constrained.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a simple and reliable visual indication of correct assembly, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring secure connections even when the device is integrated into a female element, without requiring audible or haptic cues.
Implementation Method 1
the annular seal is arranged to be compressed between a wall of the inner channel and the tubular element so as to ensure a seal between them
Implementation Method 2
the sound-detecting element be provided with an elastic pin arranged to jump against the surface of the tubular element in order to emit an audible signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a connection device (1) for a tubular element (2) comprising a hollow body (3) having a housing (30), a cartridge (4) locked in the housing (30) in a first position, the cartridge then protruding from the body (3), the cartridge (4) having an outer wall (40) and an inner wall (41) delimiting an inner channel (43), the channel (43) having a first end (431) forming an inlet for receiving the tubular element (2) and a second end (432) provided with an obstacle, a seal (5) and a fastening ring (6) disposed in the channel (43) in order to secure the tubular element (2) in the channel (43) in sealed manner. The connection device (1) comprises an unlocking system configured to allow, when the tubular element (2) exerts a force against the obstacle, the unlocking of the cartridge (4) and its movement to a second position, in which the cartridge (4) is entirely incorporated in the body (3).